On the Offensive: The Global Advance of Intolerance in Democratic Politics

The giving and taking of offense are key strategies in identity politics worldwide, undermining the culture of tolerance required for democratic life. Cherian George’s talk examines the dynamics of “hate spin,” comparing in particular the experience of the world’s three largest democracies—India, the United States, and Indonesia—to understand how hate propaganda is used in politics and how societies should respond. It draws on George’s new book, Hate Spin: The Manufacture of Religious Offense and its Threat to Democracy (MIT Press, 2016), which Publishers Weekly named to its list of Best Books 2016 .

Cherian George is an Associate Professor in the Journalism Department of Hong Kong Baptist University, where he also serves as director of the Centre for Media and Communication Research. His research interests focus on freedom of expression, especially in connection to journalism and public discourse.Event Flyer→